Molnupiravir
Molnupiravir is an antiviral taken by mouth for mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults at higher risk of serious illness, sold here as Molnunat 200mg capsules in bottles.
How molnupiravir works
Molnupiravir is an antiviral taken by mouth for COVID-19. It is a nucleoside analogue — a molecule built to look like one of the building blocks the virus uses when it copies its RNA, the genetic material of SARS-CoV-2. The virus's copying enzyme picks it up by mistake and slots it into the new strand, and the copies that come out carry so many errors that they cannot go on to infect other cells. Fewer working virus particles means the immune system has less to deal with. The drug does not treat the symptoms of COVID-19, and it does not stop you catching it.
Who the five-day course is for
It is used in adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 who are at higher risk of the illness turning severe — older age, or conditions such as diabetes, heart or lung disease, or a weakened immune system. Timing matters: treatment begins within five days of the first symptoms and runs for five days, because the virus multiplies fastest at the start. It is not used once someone is in hospital with severe COVID-19, and it is not recommended in pregnancy.
Taking the capsules
The dose is four 200mg capsules twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, for five days — 40 capsules in total. Swallow them with water, with or without food. Pick two times you can keep to each day, and finish the five days even if you start to feel better after two or three.
Side effects
Diarrhoea, nausea and dizziness are the effects most often reported, and they usually settle on their own. Allergy to molnupiravir is rare, but a swollen face, lips, tongue or throat, a widespread rash or hives, or trouble breathing needs urgent treatment.
Molnunat: the molnupiravir listing here
Molnunat is the molnupiravir product stocked on PockDose: 200mg capsules in bottles, the strength the four-capsule dose is based on. It sits in the COVID-19 category. The 200mg capsule is the only strength molnupiravir is made in, so the course is counted in capsules rather than adjusted for weight or age.
Sources
- Molnupiravir: MedlinePlus Drug Information — National Library of Medicine
- About COVID-19 - CDC — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Can I order Molnupiravir online in Hong Kong?
Molnupiravir can be ordered online from PockDose with delivery to Hong Kong. The page lists Molnunat bottles in 200mg, an antiviral taken by mouth. Payment is by Visa, Mastercard or American Express on a secure, encrypted payment page, or by Bitcoin or Ethereum.
How are Molnupiravir prices shown?
Molnunat is priced per pack: its page lists every strength and pack size with the current price in HKD or your chosen currency.
Do I need a prescription to order Molnupiravir?
PockDose does not ask you to upload a prescription when you order molnupiravir. See the ordering FAQ for details.
What brand names does molnupiravir have?
Molnupiravir is sold under brand names including Lagevrio. Here, molnupiravir can be bought online as Molnunat. These are generics, not the original brand.
Does molnupiravir treat flu or a cold?
No. Molnupiravir targets SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Influenza and the common cold come from different viruses, and this medicine is not used for them. If your symptoms are from a cold or flu, a COVID-19 antiviral will not shorten them.
Is molnupiravir the same as Paxlovid?
No. Paxlovid combines two antivirals, nirmatrelvir and ritonavir, while molnupiravir is a single ingredient that works by making the virus copy its RNA with errors. Both are oral COVID-19 treatments taken for a few days, but they are different medicines with different ingredients.
What happens if I miss a dose of molnupiravir?
Take it as soon as you think of it. If your next dose is almost due, wait and take that one instead, and do not take two doses together to catch up. The course still ends on the same day it was meant to.
How should I store molnupiravir capsules?
Keep the capsules in their bottle with the lid on, at room temperature — no refrigeration is needed. A dry shelf or drawer suits them. Check the expiry date on the bottle before you start the course.